Jump to content

Menu

What do I wear??


Recommended Posts

I'm in a panic. A friend is graduating with her PhD and her graduation party is going to be a huge, dressy shindig at the Sheraton this weekend. She's a dressy person anyway, but she has said she wants us all to get "all dolled up" and wear those gowns we'd never wear otherwise.

 

However, I don't have an evening dress, let alone a gown! She's a very good friend and I know she wouldn't want me to get all stressed about this but I want to honor her by dressing up as much as I can. I do love to dress up, I just don't have the means or anyplace dressy to go anymore.

 

So, after spending $120 for outfits and shoes for my 2 oldest daughters who are going as well, I now have to find something for myself. I'm not getting a gown by any means, but I'm having a hard time finding something dressy without being either sleazy, dowdy, or office attire.

 

Actually, I did find one outfit...it's a pretty pink(think carnation pink like the crayon) shirt that has a "sabrina neckline"-it's kind of gathered at the neckline and just a tiny bit lower than a boatline neckline w/ 3/4 sleeves and is made of a light and flowing material, polyester actually, I think. Then I found a black pair of capris that are full and flowing too, nice and stretchy yet have a slightly formal look. I was thinking of dressing this outfit up with a fancy necklace and earrings and black sandals. The only problem is that the outfit costs $100!! But I'm thinking it's an outfit I'd have a better chance of wearing many, many times in the future rather than an evening dress that, trust me, I'd probably never wear again. I can't even say that this outfit is all that flattering, I'd definitely need to wear a bodysuit underneath. But as I lost my baby weight, it could only get better. The more I think about it, maybe I'll just go with it.

 

My question is-it's kind of formal but definitely not black tie kind of formal. If I dress it up as much as possible, do you think it would be acceptable? I don't know why I'm stressing over this, this is supposed to be a celebration for my friend.....not a fashion event, right?

 

I can't even think straight. Any advice ladies?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm in a panic. A friend is graduating with her PhD and her graduation party is going to be a huge, dressy shindig at the Sheraton this weekend. She's a dressy person anyway, but she has said she wants us all to get "all dolled up" and wear those gowns we'd never wear otherwise....

 

Honestly, I'd try to borrow something. Or, I'd hit the local consignment store and find a glittery number for $30. In the end, wearing what makes you most comfortable (pocketbook-wise and person-wise) is the best choice, but I'd absolutely go looking for a cheap way to doll up. By way of example, I once found a very form fitting but understated gown to wear to a wedding, but I borrowed a Persian lamb and mink cape from my mother to go with. Ta-da! Recycled fur never looked better!!

 

What do you think?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree with checking out a vintage or second-hand store. You can often find tons of fancy dresses only worn a time or two. Plus, the last couple of evening dresses I have purchased (we go to a lot of balls) from department stores were under $100.

 

For example:

http://scrapbookingforhire.com/jenandgreg7thgball_062.jpg

 

totally evening wear but only cost me around $70. I realize you might not get as much use out of it though, I can understand that argument but then we're back to vintage/second-hand shop. eta: Oh, and I'll agree with snickelfritz that you can find some great dresses at Target.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ok, now I'm in a true panic. I just read online that pink and black are a big no-no together!!

 

I was at the mall all night and didn't see one decent black dress. There is a Macy's downtown, I could try that tomorrow. We also have a small shopping district, the only problem is that it's pretty pricey.

 

I also have to bring dh and that means ALL the kids will be there as well. I lost my wallet the other day, so the only thing I have is a checkbook but no drivers license. Which means dh has to pay for everything!!

 

Why, oh why did I wait till the last minute?

 

I also can't borrow anything because nobody I know has anything formal either. A friend of mine has one dress and she'll be wearing it!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree with checking out a vintage or second-hand store. You can often find tons of fancy dresses only worn a time or two. Plus, the last couple of evening dresses I have purchased (we go to a lot of balls) from department stores were under $100.

 

For example:

http://scrapbookingforhire.com/jenandgreg7thgball_062.jpg

 

totally evening wear but only cost me around $70. I realize you might not get as much use out of it though, I can understand that argument but then we're back to vintage/second-hand shop.

 

Wow, beautiful dress...you look so pretty!

 

I want to cry.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wow, beautiful dress...you look so pretty!

 

I want to cry.

 

Oh, don't cry!!

 

Believe it or not, I bought that dress THE NIGHT BEFORE the ball. Oh yes, yes I did. I had to take it to the tailor and beg to get the straps shortened (I'm very short and there was too much bewbage showing) in the name of a dress emergency. You can do this, you're gonna look great and have fun. Deep breaths...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Earlier this week in consignment shop, I saw a light yellow dress that had sequins at the top (the sequins were a pastel color). The sequins just covered the bust area....kind of gave it an empire waist look, sort of. It had a square neck and sleeveless. The fabric had a linen look to it but it was thicker. It definitely had a formal look to it. It was cut straight down and went down to the ankles. I was afraid that it might look too "prom-ish" but I thought it was really pretty.

 

Would that be a good color or too young? What color and style shoes would I wear with it?

 

Best of all, it was only $12.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So, after all that stressing, I went to sleep trusting God would provide.

 

Sat. morning, I hit the Goodwill first thing and found a mid-length, sleeveless black dress for......$5.99!!! I bought a sheer silver shawl, 2 1/2 inch black sandals and a little black purse at a dept. store!!

 

Praise God!!!

 

I'll post a pic later on when I get a chance. I just can't believe how it all worked out. But then I wonder, why am I so surprised??

 

Thanks for the encouragement and advice guys!! Just had to let you know how it turned out.

 

BTW, I had mentioned I had also lost my wallet. Well, my neighbor found the credit and debit cards as well as my drivers license on the side of the road under some leaves!! So while it's disheartening to know someone actually did steal my wallet and I didn't just misplace it, I'm thankful to have all the important things back!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So, after all that stressing, I went to sleep trusting God would provide.

 

Sat. morning, I hit the Goodwill first thing and found a mid-length, sleeveless black dress for......$5.99!!! I bought a sheer silver shawl, 2 1/2 inch black sandals and a little black purse at a dept. store!!

 

Praise God!!!

 

I'll post a pic later on when I get a chance. I just can't believe how it all worked out. But then I wonder, why am I so surprised??

 

Thanks for the encouragement and advice guys!! Just had to let you know how it turned out.

 

BTW, I had mentioned I had also lost my wallet. Well, my neighbor found the credit and debit cards as well as my drivers license on the side of the road under some leaves!! So while it's disheartening to know someone actually did steal my wallet and I didn't just misplace it, I'm thankful to have all the important things back!!

 

 

 

So happy things have worked out so well! Do post pictures. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...